Altered States

THU 6/10
Who is the most dangerous man in the world? In his new book, Rogue State: America at War with the World, author/journalist T.D. Allman bestows that dubious distinction on President George W. Bush, not on Osama bin Laden as most folks would think. A distinguished foreign correspondent who contributes to National Geographic and Rolling Stone magazines, Allman is perhaps best known for his 1987 book Miami: City of the Future, required reading for any potential South Floridian. Now he is dissecting the 4-year nightmare that has been the Bush administration and the dolt that is George W. Bush, whom he notes has turned a "friendly world into a hostile world" by destroying "belief in America's goodness and America's wisdom among hundreds of millions of people." When did the tide begin to turn? According to Allman, whose apartment overlooks the site of the former World Trade Center, on September 12, 2001. Hear him read at 6:00 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Admission is free. Call 305-442-4408. -- By Nina Korman

Five Year Cheer

WED 6/16
In 1999 entrepreneur Mark Soyka staked his claim on the fast-growing Biscayne Corridor. The long-time Morningside resident had already enjoyed great success on Miami Beach with his News Cafe and Van Dyke restaurants. Fresh territory was left to conquer on the mainland, 55th Street off Biscayne Boulevard to be exact, and prevail he did. His eatery Soyka is still one of the hottest spots around (we just wish it would keep later hours), and Andiamo's pizza remains as consistently fabulous as the building in which it is housed. Also thriving is Soyka's adjacent 55th Street Station, home to galleries, offices, and cool shops such as wine/chocolate/flower purveyors Bouquet and mid-century design specialists Industrian. At dusk in the courtyard, enjoy live music, the antics of mistress of ceremonies Elaine Lancaster, and a glass of complimentary champagne to toast Soyka and 55th Street Station's 5th anniversary. Admission is free. Call 305-776-0920. -- By Nina Korman

PromSame Sex Send-off

SAT 6/12
The teens who will be whooping it up at Pridelines Youth Services' 9th Annual Prom for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth represent the future of our social fabric. By the time they are in their 30s, it's likely they will be happily wed to their same-sex partners, busy planning families, and bringing culture to new and open-minded heights. That's worth a toast and prom dress. The affair begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Israel, Wolfson Ballroom, 137 NE 19th St. Admission is $15 and $25 per couple. Call 305-215-8669. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez

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